PETRONAS, FIRST MALAYSIAN FIRM TO ADOPT 5G NETWORK
PETRONAS, Malaysia’s leading energy conglomerate, has taken a groundbreaking step by implementing a 5G private network at its Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in Melaka. Thus making Petronas the first enterprise in Malaysia to do so. This remarkable move is expected to revolutionize PETRONAS’ internal operations. Subsequently, it will create a ripple effect across various other industries. The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) both support the move.
In a momentous event, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof inaugurated the adoption of PETRONAS’ 5G Private Network. He was joined by key dignitaries. Notably, these included KKD Minister Fahmi Fadzil, KKD Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and PETRONAS Senior Vice President Project Delivery & Technology Datuk Bacho Pilong. Moreover, they marked a significant milestone together.
This initiative aligns with Ekonomi MADANI and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah stressed the vital role of cutting-edge tech: “5G’s speed, low latency, and data capacity empower innovation and global competitiveness.”
MCMC is working in collaboration with mobile service providers to roll out 5G standalone networks. Moreover they are fostering the development of various use cases across Malaysian industries. As of September 2023, Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stands at 70.2%. Currently there are 2.49 million 5G subscriptions. This is equivalent to a 7.4% penetration rate.
Petronas 5G Network will unleash full potential
The implementation of the PETRONAS 5G Private Network will open doors for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and academia. Thereby unleashing the full potential of 5G technology. Under the Ekonomi MADANI and the NIMP 2030, significant focus will be given to nurturing local talent. Furthermore, this will ensure the workforce possesses the necessary skills and expertise to lead Malaysia’s digital future.
Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah commended PETRONAS for their commitment to Malaysia’s progress. Subsequently, he praised KKD Minister Fahmi Fadzil for his unwavering focus on steering the country’s 5G initiatives.
Speaking about the advantages, Datuk Bacho emphasized how the deployment of the 5G private network at RGTSU Melaka has improved operational efficiency. This improvement enhances safety and supports PETRONAS’ business and sustainability objectives. He stated, “Our strategic adoption of 5G technology places us ahead in the energy industry. We are combining 5G with the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation. This positions Open PETRONAS as a global technological leader. Subsequently, it ensures that we meet the demands of supplying safe, reliable, cost-optimized, and emission-abated energy solutions for Malaysia and our global customers.”
Malaysia has received recognition from independent analytics companies. Both Opensignal and Ookla have applauded Malaysia for its efforts to become a global leader in 5G connectivity. The country is also on track to achieve 80% 5G network coverage in populated areas by the end of 2023. Thus, this will reinforce its position as a leader in the global 5G race.
